Pocket System for Holding a Handkerchief

ABSTRACT

A handkerchief holding system for displaying a portion of a handkerchief or pocket square, the handkerchief holding system including a substantially squared-hexagon combination pouch-like construction which is configured to be disposed in the breast pocket of clothing such as a suit, tuxedo, sport jacket or vest. The handkerchief holding system may be made from any quality material and is supported by a clamping mechanism. The handkerchief holding system can be squeezed open by hand at the top of the opening due to the flexibility and resiliency of its clamping mechanism, then a folded handkerchief, pocket square or piece of material, e.g., may be inserted into the handkerchief holding system and the clamping mechanism released to close and secure (clamp down on) the folded handkerchief for temporary or permanent use in a standard breast pocket of clothing such as a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. Once the handkerchief has been secured, it forms a complete holding system. The complete holding system can then be disposed in the breast pocket.

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/074,437, titled “Pocket System for Holding a Handkerchief”, filed Nov. 3, 2014, the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any attachments thereto.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to pocket systems and devices for holding handkerchiefs or pocket squares.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

We live in a society where image can communicate a lot about someone's, age, economic status, business acumen, fashion sense and attention to detail. A personal image can even dictate whether one gets a job or closes a big contract. So a man who wears a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest needs to be very intentional about their image and brand whether it is a one-time occasion or they have a professional career that mandates the uniform of a suit or dress attire on a daily basis. Men and women have struggled for decades with the task of how to wear a handkerchief or pocket square. Some primary challenges have been pocket squares that fall down in the pocket, slide out of the pocket or lose the desired fold design. Consequently, to remedy these age old problems, men and women need a quality product for holding and maintaining a neatly folded handkerchief, pocket square or piece of material, e.g., in the breast pocket of clothing such as a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest.

SUMMARY

A handkerchief holding system is provided which is highly adjustable, yet provides for a firmly held and stable positioning of items to be placed therein.

Accordingly, a handkerchief holding system for displaying a portion of a handkerchief or pocket square is provided. The handkerchief holding system includes a generally squared-hexagonal combination pouch-like construction which is configured to be disposed in the breast pocket of clothing such as a suit, tuxedo, sport jacket or vest. The handkerchief holding system may be made from any quality material and is supported by a clamping mechanism. The invention's clamping mechanism can be squeezed open by hand at the top of the opening then a folded handkerchief, pocket square or piece of material, e.g., may be inserted into the handkerchief holding system and the clamping mechanism released to close and secure (clamp down on) the folded handkerchief for temporary or permanent use in a standard breast pocket of clothing such as a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. Once the handkerchief has been secured, it forms a complete holding system. The complete holding system can then be disposed in the breast pocket.

A partial bottom portion which generally has a hexagon-like configuration can be included which acts as a height adjustment mechanism for the invention. This partial hexagon or hexagon-like (or other shape configured to conform to fit a breast pocket) bottom portion can be folded at a predetermined height optionally aided by a perforated stitching to easily adjust the height of the holding system to allow the option of it being disposed into a shallower breast pocket of, e.g., a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. The adjusted handkerchief holding system is adapted to hold a handkerchief, pocket square or piece of material, e.g., so that these items do not slide out, fall more deeply into a pocket or lose the desired fold or height sought by the user.

Thus, the invention includes a handkerchief holding system including a housing having at least a front, a back, and a top opening between the front and back of the housing, wherein the housing is configured so that a handkerchief is insertable through the top opening of the housing and the holding system is configured to be disposed within a breast pocket of clothing of a wearer. The system further includes a clamping mechanism at or near the top opening of the holding system which extends across substantially the full width of the opening, the clamping mechanism having front and back clasp platelets connected together by joining means and configured to provide the holding system with the ability to be squeezed open to insert or remove the handkerchief and clamped shut snugly upon the “held” handkerchief when the handkerchief is inserted into the holding system to hold the handkerchief in a desired position. The handkerchief holding system of further includes an extension member connected to the housing, the extension member being movable between a first and a second adjustable, extended position so that, when the housing is disposed in the breast pocket of the coat, a portion of the handkerchief is visible.

In other aspects, the handkerchief holding system has a substantially squared portion and a partial hexagon or hexagon-like bottom portion.

In a further embodiment, the handkerchief holding system as otherwise described above has a substantially flat housing structure.

In yet an additional embodiment, the handkerchief holding system has a clamping mechanism configured to be bendable and resilient so that when a squeezing force is applied to the right and left edges of the clamping mechanism a wider cavity is formed in the top opening of the holding system that houses the handkerchief, yet snaps back around the handkerchief or other item to be housed upon release of the clamping mechanism.

In a further aspect, the handkerchief holding system as described above is provided with a perforated stitching at about the bottom third or so of the housing so that the system naturally conforms to two or more breast pocket configurations while the adjusted handkerchief holding system still is configured to clamp down on a handkerchief to secure and maintain its fold and positioning in the breast pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings and figures described and included herewith, which are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the handkerchief holding system with the back side of this embodiment configured as a mirror image of the front.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the handkerchief holding system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top downward view of an embodiment of the handkerchief holding system. Depicted is an embodiment of the invention's opening located for the insertion of handkerchiefs, pocket squares and scarves.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the handkerchief holding system of FIG. 1 while it is being clutched open by hand.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustration of the handkerchief holding system of FIG. 1 after a handkerchief or pocket square has been properly inserted and then released by hand with thumb and forefinger at the end of the top of the holding system.

FIG. 6 is a view of how a representative handkerchief holder of the invention fits into the breast pocket of a man's suit jacket, sport coat, tuxedo or vest. The completely secured pocket square or handkerchief will slide into the breast pocket with ease.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the handkerchief holding system of FIG. 1 depicted to illustrate how an embodiment of the invention is adjustable to the depth of any suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest breast pocket. At a predetermined depth, e.g., the bottom one inch or so of the pocket square holding system may contain a perforated stitch which thereby allows the system to fold back to adjust the height of the system for use with a shallow breast pocket.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an adjusted handkerchief holding system in action. The invention is squeezed together by hand with thumb and forefinger at the ends of the top of the holding system so that the top will open up into a pouch-like enclosure and, e.g., a handkerchief is then inserted.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of a completed adjusted handkerchief holding system after the handkerchief or pocket square has been properly inserted and then released or un-squeezed by hand with thumb and forefinger at the end of the top of the holding system.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating how the adjusted handkerchief holder fits snugly into the shallow breast pocket of a man's suit jacket, sport coat, tuxedo or vest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings and figures. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding the plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “various embodiments” or “an embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property can include additional such elements not having that property.

The following description is exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the present teachings, applications, or uses, especially to other embodiments employing the teachings and discoveries disclosed herein. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals will generally be intended to be used to refer to like elements.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, shown therein is an embodiment of a handkerchief holding system 5 (holder) constructed in accordance with the present invention. The handkerchief holding apparatus 5 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1) is a square-like design with a partial hexagon bottom 8. The invention's construction can be fabricated of any high quality durable material having sufficient strength to support the handkerchief. Examples of materials from which the housing 10 of the handkerchief holding system 5 can be fabricated include, by way of example but not limitation, polymeric materials, both natural and synthetic and the like. The construction of the handkerchief holding system 5 is held together by a series of stitches along the top, middle, bottom and sides with an opening 2 across the top portion of the invention. The clamping mechanism extends substantially the full width of the invention with front 12 and back 4 flexible and resilient clasp platelets held together with left 3 and right 1 joining means such as metal pins.

In certain embodiments, the handkerchief holding system consists of, e.g., six strategic stitches. A top horizontal stitch 11 may be located just below the fold of the clamping mechanism. A second stitch is a right vertical stitch 6 made along the edge of the right side of the invention. A third stitch is a left vertical stitch 6A made along the edge of the left side of the invention. A fourth stitch may be a horizontal perforated folding stitch 7 which is located about three-fifths to three-quarters, preferably about two-thirds the way down the housing. A fifth stitch is an inward approximately 45 degree angle stitch along the right edge of the holding system. This stitch is called a right 45 degree stitch 9A. A sixth stitch is a left approximately 45 degree stitch 9 which is located along the left edge of the handkerchief holding system of the invention at an inward about 45 degree angle.

As will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 2, the handkerchief holding system 5 is shown in a vertical side view of an embodiment of the invention. The clamping mechanism which extends the substantial full width of the invention with front and back 4A clasp platelets of a sturdy, yet flexible and resilient quality, are held together with left 1A joining means such as metal pins. The invention is made from a high quality durable material 10A. In certain embodiments, a horizontal perforated folding stitch 7A is located, e.g., about two-thirds the way down the housing. The handkerchief holding apparatus 5 (FIG. 1) may be substantially a square-like design with side view of the partial hexagon-like bottom 8A.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein is a top down view of a handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism extends substantially the full length at or near the top of the holding system with a front 12 and back 4 clasp platelet (FIG. 1), as previously described, held together with left 3B and right 1B metal pins. The invention is made from a high quality durable material 10B. The handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1), of a sturdy felt, cloth or other suitable material is held together by a series of stitches along the top, middle, bottom and sides with an opening 2B across or near the top portion of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1) is depicted as used in action with a folded handkerchief 17, pocket square or a piece of material ready for insertion. The invention is shown being squeezed open (A) by hand 20 at the top of the opening 2C. The folded handkerchief 17, pocket square or piece of material is folded in the style of the four peak fold 13-16 prior to insertion into the holder. Then the clasp is released by hand 20 and closed to secure the folded handkerchief for temporary or permanent use in the breast pocket of a suit 21, tuxedo, sport coat or vest FIG. 5. The complete holding system 19 may be formed for single or multiple use.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an illustration of the handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1) is shown as a complete holding system 19 and has been inserted inside the breast pocket 22 of, e.g., a suit 21, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. The handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1) is constructed to take up the depth 23 inside the breast pocket for a secure fit. The secured fit will ensure that the folded handkerchief 17, pocket square or piece of material will not, e.g., slide out, fall down in the pocket or lose the fold design.

FIG. 7 depicts a side illustration of the handkerchief holding system 5 of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The clamping mechanism which extends the full with of the invention with front and back 4A clasp platelets held together with left 1A metal pins. The invention is made from a high quality durable material 10A. The horizontal perforated folding stitch 7A which is located two thirds the way down the invention. The handkerchief holding system 5 (FIG. 1) is a square-like design with side view of the partial hexagon bottom 8A. The partial hexagon bottom 8A acts as a height adjusting portion of the invention. This hexagon bottom 8A can be folded (B) back to adjust the height of the holder so it can then be inserted into a shallower breast pocket 23A (FIG. 10) of a suit 21A (FIG. 10), tuxedo, sport coat or vest, and easily fit snugly.

FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of the handkerchief holding system 5 of FIG. 1 in action with a handkerchief 17, pocket square or a piece of material being squeezed open (C) by hand 20 at the top of the opening 2C. The folded handkerchief 17, pocket square or piece of material is folded, e.g., in the style of a four peak fold 13-16 prior to inserting into the invention then the clasp then released by hand 20 closed to secure the handkerchief for temporary or permanent use in the breast pocket of a suit 21, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. The diagram also shows the hexagon folded bottom, which acts as a height adjust or portion of the invention. In FIG. 8, this hexagon bottom 8A is folded (B) back as an adjustment for the height of the holder so it can then be secured into the shallow breast pocket 23A (FIG. 10) of a suit 21A (FIG. 10), tuxedo, sport coat or vest. After the folded handkerchief and adjusted handkerchief holding system two it forms the complete holding system two 18A is formed for single or multiple use.

In FIG. 9, the handkerchief holding system 5 of FIG. 1 is depicted after the folded handkerchief 17 (FIG. 8) and adjusted handkerchief holding system 18A have been positioned so it forms the complete holding system 18B for single or multiple use.

In FIG. 10 an illustration of the handkerchief holding system 5 of FIG. 1 is depicted as a complete holding system 18B that has been inserted inside the breast pocket 22A of a suit 21A, tuxedo, sport coat or vest. The complete handkerchief holding system 18B (FIG. 9) is constructed to take up the depth 23A inside the shallow breast pocket for a secure fit. The secured fit will ensure that the folded handkerchief 17, pocket square or piece of material will not slide out, fall down in the pocket or lose the fold design.

More details and description of the holding system of the invention is provided by the following Index:

INDEX OF ELEMENTS FOR HANDKERCHIEF HOLDING SYSTEM

1. Left Pin: to hold the spring system together on the left side of the invention.

1A. Pin: pin from a side view which holds the spring system together on the invention.

1B. First Pin: pin from a top down view which holds the spring system together on the invention

2. Opening: Top (3.14 inch long) opening of the Handkerchief Holding System.

2B. Top Opening: top opening of the Handkerchief Holding System from a top down view.

2C. Top Opened: top opening of the Handkerchief Holding System from a view after it has been squeezed open.

3. Right Pin: to hold the spring system together on the right side of the invention.

3B. Second Pin: pin from a top down view which holds the spring system together on the invention.

4. Spring Plate Front: the front spring plate of the invention.

4A. Spring Plate Front & Back: the front and back spring plate of the invention.

5. Edge: the 360 degree edge of the handkerchief holding system in a hybrid shape with a square body and a hexagon bottom.

6. Right Vertical Stitch: 2.75 in vertical stitch along the right side of the invention.

6A. Left Vertical Stitch: 2.75 in vertical stitch along the left side of the invention.

7. Perforated Folding Stitch: 3.23 inch horizontal stitch along the bottom ⅓ area of the invention 1 inch below the top opening fold.

7A. Material Front: is the side view of industrial strength light weight material of the invention.

8. Hexagon Fold Adjustment: the bottom ⅓ section or so of the invention that allows it to be adjusted to a shorter height.

8A. Adjustable Flap: is the view of the one inch adjustable section of the Handkerchief Holding System.

9. Left 90 Degree Stitch: is the stitch along the bottom left side of the invention that aids the Hexagon Fold Adjustment (8) to be folding for proper adjustment.

9A. Right 90 Degree Stitch: is the stitch along the bottom right side of the invention that aids the Hexagon Fold Adjustment (8) to be folding for proper adjustment.

10. Texture/Material: is the industrial strength light weight material of the invention.

10A. Material Back: is the side view of industrial strength light weight material of the invention.

10B. Material Top: is the top down view of industrial strength light weight material of the invention.

11. Top Horizontal Stitch: 3.23 inch horizontal stitch along the top of the invention 1 inch below the top opening fold.

12. Spring Plate Back: the back spring plate of the invention.

13. Peak 1: is the first peak of a folded handkerchief in a four peak design.

14. Peak 2: is the second peak of a folded handkerchief in a four peak design.

15. Peak 3: is the third peak of a folded handkerchief in a four peak design.

16. Peak 4: is the fourth peak of a folded handkerchief in a four peak design.

17. Folded Handkerchief: is a four peak folded handkerchief for a suit breast pocket.

18. Handkerchief Holding System: is the Handkerchief Holding System.

18A. Adjusted Handkerchief Holding System: is the Adjusted Handkerchief Holding System.

18B. Complete Holding System 2: illustration of the handkerchief and height adjusted invention securing the folded four peak style.

19. Complete Holding System 1: illustration of the handkerchief and invention securing the folded four peak style.

20. Hand: a hand using a squeezing motion at the top half of the handkerchief holding system to open the top of the invention.

21. Suit Jacket 1: regular suit, tuxedo or sport coat jacket.

21A. Suit Jacket 2: regular suit, tuxedo or sport coat jacket with a shallow breast pocket.

22. Standard Pocket: standard breast pocket of (21A) Suit Jacket 1.

22A. Shallow Pocket: shallow breast pocket of (21B) Suit Jacket 2.

23. Standard Depth: standard breast pocket depth of (22) Standard Pocket.

23A. Shallow Depth: shallow breast pocket depth of (23) Shallow Pocket.

A. Squeeze 1: the squeezing motion of a hand holding the Handkerchief Holding System.

B. Adjustment: the folding motion of the hexagon bottom of the Handkerchief Holding System that allows it to be adjusted to a shorter height to fit shallow breast pockets.

C. Squeeze 2: the squeezing motion of a hand holding the adjusted Handkerchief Holding System. 

What I claim is:
 1. A handkerchief holding system comprising: A housing having at least a front, a back, and a top opening between the front and back of the housing, Wherein the housing is configured so that a handkerchief is insertable through the top opening of the housing and the holding system is configured to be disposed within a breast pocket of clothing of a wearer, and A clamping mechanism at or near the top opening of the holding system which extends across substantially the full width of the opening, the clasping mechanism comprising front and back clasp platelets connected together by joining means and configured to provide the holding system with the ability to be squeezed open to insert or remove the handkerchief and clamped shut when the handkerchief is inserted into the holding system to hold the handkerchief in a desired position.
 2. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, said handkerchief holding system further comprising an extension member connected to the housing, the extension member being movable between a first and a second adjustable, extended position; so that, when the housing is disposed in the breast pocket of the coat, a portion of the handkerchief is visible.
 3. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, wherein said housing is comprised of a substantially squared portion and a partial hexagon bottom.
 4. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, wherein said housing has a substantially flat structure.
 5. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, wherein said opening has a closed state and an open state.
 6. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, wherein said housing is functionally retainable within a breast pocket of a suit, tuxedo, sport coat or vest.
 7. The handkerchief holding system of claim 1, wherein the joining means of the front and back clasp platelets comprises at least two metal pins.
 8. The handkerchief holding system of claim 7, wherein said clamping mechanism is configured so that when a squeezing force is applied to the right and left edges of the clamping mechanism a wider cavity is formed in the top opening of the holding system that houses the handkerchief.
 9. The handkerchief holding system of claim 8, configured such that releasing the squeezing force allows the holding system to switch to a closed state, thereby positioning the system to clamp down on a handkerchief to secure and maintain its fold and positioning in a breast pocket.
 10. The handkerchief holding system of claim 9, further comprising perforated stitching at about the bottom third of the housing so that the system naturally conforms to two or more breast pocket configurations while the adjusted handkerchief holding system still is configured to clamp down on a handkerchief to secure and maintain its fold and positioning in the breast pocket. 